Jailed Va. lawmaker still has backers despite new charges

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia lawmaker spending nights in jail after a sex scandal involving a teenager is facing four new felony charges and vowing to prove his innocence.

The indictments on felony perjury and forgery charges were unsealed Wednesday against 57-year-old Delegate Joe Morrissey, who was just re-elected despite the scandal involving a 17-year-old girl.

Supporter Preston Brown says the new charges don't change his mind about Morrissey. Brown says House members who are considering censuring or expelling Morrissey should respect the voters' decision and leave him alone.

After his conviction for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, the four-term Democratic lawmaker announced his resignation and ran as an independent to win the special election for his successor.